Polos

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The polos was a distinctive type of headdress worn by women in ancient Greece, particularly during the Archaic and Classical periods. It was a high, cylindrical crown-like headpiece that encircled the head, often made from fabric, leather, or other materials. The polos was typically worn by goddesses, especially in religious contexts, and was sometimes seen as a symbol of divine or regal status. It was most famously associated with the goddess Cybele, who was depicted wearing a polos as part of her sacred attire. This headdress also became a marker of nobility or high rank among mortal women, particularly in representations of priestesses or queens.

In addition to its use by women, the polos was also worn by certain male figures, especially in artistic depictions of gods or kings. It became an emblem of religious and royal authority, serving as a visual cue to the viewer of the person’s elevated status. In some cases, the polos was worn as a symbol of connection to the divine, particularly in religious rituals. The goddess Demeter, for example, was often shown with a polos on her head, emphasizing her role as a powerful, earth-bound deity. The polos could also be seen as a protective symbol, a crown of sorts, representing a connection to the heavens and divine protection.

The polos appears frequently in ancient Greek art, especially in sculptures and vase paintings. In these depictions, it was often shown as a cylindrical or tower-like shape that wrapped around the entire head. Over time, the polos evolved and was incorporated into different artistic styles, often varying in the level of ornamentation or embellishment. In many cases, it was paired with other forms of regal or religious dress, like the peplos (a garment worn by women), further enhancing its association with ritual and status.

Aesernia, Samnium 263-240 BCE Aigiospotamoi, Thrace 4th cen BCE Apamea, Phrygia 133-48 BCE Kromna, Paphlagonia 330-300 BCE